While reading the guides on what to wear, I heard that boots with a zipper may accumulate playa dust. Plus, they have lace ties which may gather dust as well. I wasn't sure if it would be a problem if I wore knee socks with them.

Haha, that's actually the only problem I don't see in wearing the boots. I'm very used to them. The wedge makes them alot easier to trek in. I anticipate walking around and exploring as much as I can.. but I'm more concerned with dust getting in them. I don't exactly know how bad the playa dust is...... but I am bring a pair of flat boots and sneakers with me too.

ive never had problems with zippers, but i think the only thing i own that has zippers i s my cut off jeans, and i hardly wear those, usually only on set up and tear down days.

the best way ive found to try out my costumes is to walk around in them, take them around the block (you may have to wait till its pretty dark, depending) but then you will get a feel for anything that might cause you a discomfort when you get on the playa. the worst thing is to have limited wardrobe and everything left is uncomfortable

I have boots kinda like that, and MyLarry has many, many boots. Walking? They're alright. I don't walk a lot anymore, arthritis in the feet, so I can wear decorative shoes and not worry too much.

Dust issues: Dust will get into the zippers and laces and you can't ever be rid of traces of it, no matter how well you clean them when you return. The zippers can be kept in working condition on the playa if you keep a spare toothbrush in camp and clean them out now and then. Don't leave the zippers down when you're not wearing the boots. I have a woodless graphite pencil we use to lubricate zippers. We have a boot bin for clean boots and shoes coming in, and if boots are left out, fold over the tops or stuff something down in them so they don't fill with dust during a whiteout. Do not let dusty footed visitors try on your boots without socks (grrr).

Dust will not seep through the zippers and laces while you're wearing them, at least, not too much.

when you're out and about, toss a light pair of sandals in your pack so you can change if the boots get to be too much for you.

I wouldn't wear them because of the heel (though I own several similar pairs IRL).

Walking, walking and more walking, the more comfortable the shoes the better.

I was barefoot, @ camp then a stylin' pair of glow-in-the-dark skeleton boots for wandering.

However, I will say, by Friday night, they wouldn't fit. They were giving me terrible blisters, too. I don't know what was making my feet swell, but I had to switch to a different pair of shoes (much less cool looking ).

I don't know why but, I just detest boots like that. I can guarantee you this, if you wear those boots you will fit right in with all the other uber-hip, fashion-slaves from LA that are out there. Plain and simple, wear what you feel comfortable in and you will have no problem. If you are concerned about playa foot, follow these suggestions. Whenever you change shoes/socks, soak your feet in a bath of 20 parts water, 1 part vinegar. The vinegar neutralizes the alkaline in the playa. Follow the bath with a nice foot creme/moisterizer. If you do this simple step at least once a day, you will not have a problem with playa foot. As far as dust getting in the zippers and laces, you cannot control that, it will happen. I hope this was helpful, I was trying not to be overly snarky.

I am very comfortable walking long distances in them. But now I am reconsidering wearing them because of the biking aspect. Bounce, you had similar ones to mine? And you were able to bike in them?

Changoloco, I feel no need to fit in with the "uber-hip, fashion slaves" as you put it, but I do like boots that give me a little heel because I'm a half an inch under 5 feet tall. But don't worry, you're comment wasn't snarky. The middle and down were helpful :) . Thanks.

convenientlust wrote:Thanks for all of the replies. I appreciate the advice.

I am very comfortable walking long distances in them. But now I am reconsidering wearing them because of the biking aspect. Bounce, you had similar ones to mine? And you were able to bike in them?

Changoloco, I feel no need to fit in with the "uber-hip, fashion slaves" as you put it, but I do like boots that give me a little heel because I'm a half an inch under 5 feet tall. But don't worry, you're comment wasn't snarky. The middle and down were helpful . Thanks.

CFM, those boot are badass!

AntiM, I've heard not to wear sandals... ?

Once again, thanks everyone!

The problem I had with my platforms (one big 6" heel, like those boots) was just the general way it reshaped my body on the bike and...I forget what else. Except that I could not wait to get them off.

Another factor would be weight - as in, the weight of the shoes. Though I've run, walked, danced and...other things in my boots, I just wouldn't bother taking them to the playa.

But plenty of people wear them, they're much easier to walk in than one would think, from looking at them (who hasn't tried it).

CFM, I'll give you that.. my boots are pretty heavy. I think I'll have to practice riding my bike in them and that can be the deciding factor. I like the boots you have and those sneakers do look pretty comfortable because of the flat wedge.

And thanks Elliot, I will probably be bringing 4 pairs of sock for each day. Can't be too prepared!

Sandals are alright for short term, and some types are good with socks. If you're out in your boots and your feet act up, you can switch to something lightweight until you are able to switch to more comfy foot gear.

a comment about shoelaces. The dust makes things sticky that would normally be slippy (like shoelaces when you pull them to tighten.) Shoes that have the fabric loops instead of eyelets for the laces are just nuts to try to tighten. I never heard my shoes make sounds like a horror movie door before. squeeeeeeeak! I'm thinking there would be a tremendous amount of playa dust friction in those lace up boots. Some of what I bring is practical, some is ridiculous, you need to find the right balance for you.

So yes those docs. Erm well yes they work fine for the playa and I am sure if you acutally clean them up and take care of them they recover fine. I never acutally did so because I wanted them to have that playa worn look to add to my ridiculous collection that I have.
They are the only shoe I am addicted too..its a really unhealthy expensive habit.

Haha, I totally agree. I love Docs but for the cost, I'll stick with just having one pair. And mine are no where close to the condition the picture shows. Many mosh pits took a toll on them so I wouldn't really care if they got wrecked.... to a certain extent of course.